Barack Obama: Our 44th President [Paperback]

Beatrice Gormley (Author)

Book Description

President Barack Obama's early involvement with politics was inspired by his mother's interest in the controversial social issues of her times -- a passion that she passed on to her son. As the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review, the first African American presidential nominee of a major political party, and eventually the first African American president of the United States, Barack Obama has consistently shattered barriers -- barriers that some people thought could never be overcome.

However, life has not always been easy for President Obama. Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, Barack grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia, where he faced discrimination and struggles with his own racial identity. Despite these obstacles, Barack persevered and had a successful political career before his historic win in the 2008 presidential election, with his daughters and wife, Michelle, standing firmly by his side. His election has energized a nation, and President Obama will continue to lead the charge for change over the next four years.

This is the children's biography about the forty-fourth president of the United States. Containing up-to-the-minute information, including President Obama's November victory, this is essential reading for every young student of American history.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gormley, who has written biographies about subjects as diverse as the biblical Salome and Laura Bush, turns her attention to the new president. Although there have already been several books published about Obama, including picture books, this is for a slightly older audience and takes him through his presidential win. Organized chronologically, the straightforward telling of the events in Obama’s life include just a hint of psychological inquiry, primarily regarding his search for a comfortable identity as a biracial child. For kids who know just the bare facts about Obama, they will be interested to learn that he was not always the best student, that he could be sullen and difficult, and how unorthodox his upbringing was. The book follows his life as a community organizer and his involvement in politics as well as his family relationships. Although there is a bibliography, no source notes are given, even for quotes, and there are no photographs. A serviceable choice until something more attractive comes along. Grades 6-9. --Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (December 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416971181
• ISBN-13: 978-1416971184
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > U. S. Presidents & First Ladies
  • #42 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Politics & Government
  • #62 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > U. S. Presidents & First Ladies

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written!, February 22, 2009

By 

MysteryKat (Maryland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Barack Obama: Our 44th President (Paperback)

This book was purchased to add to my book shelf for my third grade students. I've had a lot of interest from my students about Barack Obama. This book is very well written and easily understood by third graders although the readability level is probably at the fifth grade level. I'd consider this a book that would be suitable for my above average readers.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes me feel like I know him., January 6, 2009

By 

John T. Docker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Barack Obama: Our 44th President (Paperback)

Wonderful moving account of the life of our next President. Even though it is meant for young adults, I bought a copy for my first grade grandson. He loves it!

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great understanding and information about our new president, January 31, 2009

By 

happylioness "running free" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Barack Obama: Our 44th President (Paperback)

I loved reading this book with my nine year old son. It is wonderfully thorough in describing President Obama's life from childhood to his inauguration. I was moved by his story and inspired by the possibilities...